How to Activate a New iPhone With a Verizon Phone Number

by Madison Carter, Demand Media

The iPhone can be used with an existing phone number.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Verizon wireless provides an option for customers to transfer their current Verizon phone number to their new iPhone. If your phone number isn't eligible, you need to take the device into a Verizon retail store to discuss options for transferring your number. Business owners who want to upgrade to an iPhone but don't want to change their phone number can take advantage of the transfer service to get their iPhone up and running. You can also transfer a Verizon phone number to AT&T if you prefer to use their service.

Transferring a Verizon Number to Your iPhone

Step 1

Call Verizon customer service at (877) 807-4646 to begin the transfer process. Make sure the original phone with your Verizon number and your iPhone are turned off. Alternatively, you can visit a Verizon Wireless store and ask an associate to help you.

Step 2

Follow the telephone prompts to initiate the transfer of your old Verizon number to your new iPhone.

Confirm the information requested from your customer receipt when prompted.

Transfer a Verizon Number to AT&T

Step 1

If your phone number is currently with Verizon and you want to transfer it to an AT&T iPhone, check the Transfer Your Number to AT&T website (see link in Resources).

Step 2

Visit an AT&T Wireless Store and purchase a plan to use with your new iPhone. You can also call AT&T and complete the transfer over the phone. However, depending on the number, in some cases you may have to visit a store.

Step 3

Provide your old Verizon account number when prompted, phone number and billing address to activate your account with the new number. If you visit an AT&T store, provide this information to the associate when asked.

Activate an AT&T or Verizon Wireless Number

Enter your Social Security number and Billing Zip Code and then press "Continue."

Step 3

Select the option to enable or disable location services. Location services provides functionality for Maps, local web searches and applications that use your location. For example, FourSquare uses your location to check you in to places.

Step 4

Choose whether you want to "Restore From iCloud," "Restore From iTunes" or setup as a new device. Then, click "Continue" and agree to the terms of service.

Select the option to "Backup to iCloud" if you want to back up your system using iCloud. You can also check the option for "Find My iPhone" in case you lose your iPhone. This service allows you to find your iPhone on a Map if it is powered on and connected to a cellular or wireless connection.

Step 8

Follow the remaining prompts and select "Start Using iPhone." At this point, if you didn't restore your iPhone from iCloud during setup, you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes to add content.

Things Needed

Verizon customer statement

Tips

Once you have set up your iPhone with Verizon, you can activate your iPhone by connecting your device to iTunes or connecting to a Wireless network. Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

Purchase an iPhone from the Apple Store based on your needs. If you need to store lots of business applications, then choose a phone with a large amount of memory.

Warning

You will lose all of your contacts from your old phone if you don't save them. Download the Backup Assistant software for Verizon, install it and run the software to back up all of your old contacts on your previous Verizon phone. Review your old voicemail messages as well, since they are deleted upon transfer.

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